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DeSean Jackson, Redskins agree to terms on contract

Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports
Published 8:43 a.m. ET April 2, 2014

FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2013 file photo, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md.(Photo: Nick Wass AP)

DeSean Jackson is staying in the NFC East, where Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III's new deep-threat target can begin making the Philadelphia Eagles pay for kicking him to the curb.

Just four days after his stunning release from Philadelphia, one of the league's most dangerous wideouts landed a few hours south on the I-95 corridor.

Jackson agreed to terms on a contract with the Redskins, two people familiar with the contact told USA TODAY Sports. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.

Jackson, 27, was cut despite posting career highs with 82 receptions for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns last season in coach Chip Kelly's high-revving offense. The three-time Pro Bowler has averaged 17.2 yards per reception during his six-season career. The Eagles took a serious salary-cap hit for releasing Jackson, who was due to earn $10.5 million in base salary and will count $6.25 million against Philadelphia's salary cap in 2014. He signed a five-year, $51-million contract in 2012.

"He's the right kind of guy we need in our locker room. Fierce competitor and player, but great guy and humble guy that wants nothing more then to show people the real him,'' Redskins veteran cornerback DeAngelo Hall texted USA TODAY Sports. "And there's no better place then in the nation's Capitol.''

First-year Redskins coach Jay Gruden now has the game-breaking vertical threat he had the past four seasons as Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator in big-play receiver A.J. Green.

Jackson figures to help RG3 regain his 2012 offensive rookie of the year form when he led the Redskins to the division title prior to suffering a major knee injury in that season's playoffs. Jackson will ease double team pressure on Pierre Garcon, who set a single-season franchise record with 113 receptions for 1,346 last season for the 3-13 Redskins.

Jackson was dogged by questions about his work ethic and was not considered a Kelly guy following a sideline blowup with his former receivers coach, Bob Bicknell, after quarterback Nick Foles threw an interception in Philadelphia's 48-30 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last December.

Former Eagles coach Andy Reid suspended Jackson for one game after he missed a 2011 team meeting.

Last Friday, NJ.com released a report suggesting Jackson was affiliated with a California gang, an allegation Jackson and his camp vehemently denied.

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera was among the first to express interest in Jackson when contacted by USA TODAY Sports on Friday after the receiver's release.

"I just got word, and this is surprising to hear. He's an explosive player who has great vertical speed and is strong going to the ball," said Rivera.